Microdermabrasion Treatments
Microdermabrasion is an advanced exfoliation service that is oftentimes misused in the treatment room. Though it's a common modality that many estheticians use and learn in school, there is a trend of it being used too aggressively, similar to dermaplaning. Both of these services remove the stratum corneum, or top layer of the skin. It’s important that as estheticians, we err on the side of caution with these services as there can be adverse effects for our clients such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, or a disrupted barrier - which can worsen conditions such as acne. There are so many ways to perform the treatments under our scope, and being cautious is the best way to achieve results.
When performing a microdermabrasion service, it’s important to know who cannot receive the service and why. Since the modality uses suction, we have to avoid use on anyone with broken capillaries and blood vessels, excessive redness, inflamed acne, or with an impaired barrier. Using suction on these areas will further damage the skin, leading to more broken vessels, worse acne, and dehydrated skin. On our clients with a higher Fitzpatrick type we run the risk of causing hyperpigmentation from the skin trauma. In order to use this machine safely, low suction and a soft grit is a must. It’s also imperative to use no pressure when applying the tip, and hold the skin taut in each section as you work. Using a lower suction will prevent too much fluid being pulled to the surface of the skin, and using a softer tip will prevent scratches from happening. Your tip should glide smoothly across the skin without pulling or skipping, providing you with smooth, even results.
After you’ve completed the microdermabrasion, it’s up to you if you want to further exfoliate the skin with an enzyme or peel. This can be beneficial if your client has excessive skin build up or to treat multiple conditions as active ingredients penetrate further after a microdermabrasion; I recommend not to do this on a first time client as you are unable to gauge their tolerance for this. Extractions will be much easier to perform, however you need to be gentle when doing this, and I would omit this module if you’ve exfoliated after the microdermabrasion. For your mask, something calming, hydrating and healing is ideal to soothe the skin and reintroduce moisture. Jelly masks are an excellent option, and layering serums under masks is also ideal to receive the most benefits. You can also use cooling globes to massage your client during this portion to continue soothing the skin. Finishing products should target your clients skin concerns while also providing hydration. Your client should never leave your treatment room red, irritated or tight feeling after a microdermabrasion treatment. It is so exciting to use modalities after learning them or getting your license. It is also our job to protect our clients by using these modalities safely.
